This quality improvement (QI) project aimed to standardize and re-establish RT-driven protocol for screening patients for SBT readiness and administering SBTs to appropriate patients.

Endotracheally intubated and mechanically ventilated adult patients admitted to an academic medical center ICU were screened daily by RTs for SBT readiness.

Eligible patients received an SBT with extubation decisions made by the physician team. Patient demographics, indications for intubation, SBT eligibility and exclusionary indications, SBT ventilator settings, start times, duration, and outcomes were collected from the electronic health record.

QI interventions included staff re-education, documentation tips, creation of process maps, and interdisciplinary open forum discussions.

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